Alberta’s Opposition United Conservatives have won two byelections, maintaining hold of ridings the party represented before the vote was called.
In Innisfail-Sylvan Lake, United Conservative candidate Devin Dreeshen took about 80 per cent of the vote with the NDP’s Nicole Mooney running a distant second.
The United Conservative margin of victory in Fort McMurray-Conklin was almost as one-sided, with Laila Goodridge winning about 70 per cent of the votes with most polls reporting.
READ MORE: Alberta calls two July byelections to replace departed United Conservatives
New Democrat Jane Stroud was second with about 25 per cent of the ballots.
The results Thursday will not change the balance of power in the legislature since Premier Rachel Notley’s NDP holds 54 of the 87 seats.
The winning candidates will have to run again in less than a year when the spring 2019 general election is called.
LISTEN: Columnist Rick Bell joins Danielle Smith to review the Alberta byelections
The byelections were called to replace two United Conservatives who had resigned.
Don MacIntyre stepped down as the member for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake in February when he was charged with sex assault and sexual interference.
READ MORE: Former Alberta MLA Don MacIntyre faces sexual assault, sexual interference charges
In Fort McMurray-Conklin, former Wildrose Party leader Brian Jean left in March after his unsuccessful bid to head the United Conservatives.
READ MORE: Fort McMurray MLA Brian Jean leaving politics
Both of their successors campaigned on a platform that was critical of NDP policies and on the need to bolster Alberta’s economy.
The Alberta Party and Alberta Liberals also ran candidates in both constituencies.
Watch below: Alberta’s Opposition United Conservative Party won two byelections, maintaining hold of Innisfail-Sylvan Lake and Fort McMurray-Conklin, which the party represented before the vote was called.
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